Nutrition advocates: Now not the time to raid hunger programs

Coalition of nutrition advocates urges Congress not to divert food funding for needy families

WASHINGTON – Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest multi-issue child advocacy network, together with AARP and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), today called on Congress to protect nutrition program funds from being diverted to fill budget gaps.

Some members of Congress have proposed offsetting shortfalls in recent legislation by taking funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Voices and others cautioned that the move would increase the risk of hunger for vulnerable populations, particularly children and senior citizens.

“With nearly one in four children at risk of hunger, and 40 million Americans depending on SNAP, now is not the time to roll back the fight against hunger,” said Bill Bentley, president and CEO of Voices for America’s Children. “We can’t siphon dollars from vital food programs while families still struggle in the wake of the recession.”

In 2008, nearly half of all SNAP recipients were children and almost one in ten was age 60 or older.

The letter, sent to Democratic and Republican leadership, is available on the Voices for America’s Children website:  http://www.voices.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/FINALAARPFRACVOICESLTR.pdf

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As the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, Voices for America’s Children (Voices) has been on the forefront of every major child policy victory for the past quarter-century. With 60 members nationwide, Voices speaks up for kids, and mobilizes and advocates for public policies to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, throughout the United States. Visit us at www.voices.org.

Voices is a founding member of the Children’s Leadership Council, a coalition of more than 50 leading national policy and advocacy organizations. www.childrensleadershipcouncil.com.